When someone talks too much, he will say things that are wrong. Wise people keep quiet and think before they talk. The words of a man who lives in the right way are like the best silver, but the things that sinful people think are worthless.  Proverbs 10:19-20, English Bible for the Deaf

 

I say this often – we live in a time when we are not only bombarded with information from all directions, but people are also more vocal than ever about everything. The irony and the problem are that many believe their limited opinions carry the same weight as those of experts. The noise on social media can be deafening. The flood of opinion pieces is confusing. The arguments in community groups are often pointless and sometimes, just plain silly.

 

This is where this passage from Proverbs becomes so important to me. In a time when everyone has something to say, what are you listening to and what are you saying?

 

Are you adding to the noise that spreads division, insults others and shares misinformation? Are you contributing to gossip? Or are your words like the finest silver, enriching others’ lives, encouraging them and bearing witness to God’s presence in your own life?

 

These are the questions we should be asking ourselves from time to time, right?

 

I believe it’s good to pause for introspection and reflect on our lives – the conversations we engage in at work, the things we post on social media, the words we say to our family, friends and loved ones.

 

How do you speak to your children, and about what? What is your tone? Do you constantly criticise? Do you always talk about yourself or do you show genuine interest in others?

 

A friend of mine often jokes that “the guard over her mouth fell asleep again”. Do we still think enough before we speak? Do we consider what we say to and about others? Do we speak the truth? Do we speak kindly, especially to those closest to us?

 

Let’s take a moment today to reflect on this. I could be more careful with my words, too.

 

Prayer: Father, help me to think carefully before I speak. Help me to weigh my words. I want my words to enrich rather than wound. Guide me, Lord, and give me the wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent. Amen.